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Daily Archives: February 14, 2018

Hey readers! Today we’ll be talking with Carrie Dalby and I am taking full advantage. I have some major questions for her to answer! Since I’m super excited, we’ll just jump right in.

Hello Carrie!

Carrie Dalby: Hello Meleesa and Legendary readers!

A few days ago, I reviewed your book Fortitude. Great job by the way! I loved the story! Okay, on with the question. Fortitude read very vividly. How much research went into this novel? Or are you like, a history major who knew everything?

Carrie Dalby: I’m open about admitting I failed my AP U.S. History test in high school. History wasn’t my thing—it was for old men, right? It wasn’t until I developed a love for historical fiction in early adulthood that the past came alive for me. Authors like Katherine Paterson, Laurie Halse Anderson, Avi, and Richard Peck wrote such amazing historical novels that I fell in love with the genre. How do you make a history buff out of an AP failure? Vivid characters!(And yes, all those authors write middle grade-young adult historical fiction, among other things. But as a children’s literature geek, that’s what I turn to first.)

You’ll get no smirk from me about reading middle grade or young adult. I love the genre! And I agree about the vivid characters creating a love for the genre. Your characters did the same for me. So, in Fortitude who did you love writing the most?

Carrie Dalby: As it’s told from Claire’s point of view, I of course liked telling her story, but Loretta was fun. Her personality tends to steal the scenes she’s in. (I have a reccurring problem with secondary characters who take on a life of their own and become main characters.) And Auntie’s snappy dialog was entertaining. And on the opposite spectrum, I hated Joe Walker from when I first wrote those opening chapters. It wasn’t until the end of the first draft, when I was struggling with where his character was going, that I finally released my hatred and accepted him as a Gilbert Blythe. (Please tell me you understand that reference!)

Duh!! I had a crush on Gilbert Blythe! Ha ha ha! But I also have a crush on Joe Walker, so that makes complete sense! Okay. I know secrets that have yet to be released onto the world. I know that some of these characters continue on in your new series. Could we talk about that for a moment?

Carrie Dalby: Gladly! My project of the last two years has been crafting a multi-generation Gothic family saga for adults titled The Possession Chronicles. The eight book series spans 1904-1929 and takes place in the Mobile Bay area. A few of the characters live on/are from Dauphin Island, which sits at the mouth of the bay, so some of the characters in Fortitude have cameos in this series. Those wishing to know what happens to Claire should be satisfied. I’m in the process of querying publishers with the first book, Perilous Confessions, and hope to have news to share soon.

Well, I’ll definitely be watching out for that news. Gothic is a new genre to add to your list of writing styles. What have you found you enjoy the most? Where is your literary home?

Carrie Dalby: Historical for sure, though given the right characters I’d write a story set in any time. I do love to read and write coming-of-age stories, which can span anything from preteen to adults out in the world for the first time, which most of my stories encompass. Along those lines, I also have a contemporary middle grade novel in the process of revisions.

Wow! You are one busy woman! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us today.

Carrie Dalby: No problem. Thanks for having me and thanks for chatting with me today. I always enjoy dishing about books and writing.

Thanks for joining us readers! I hope you enjoyed meeting author Carrie Dalby. To find out more about her and stay updated on her progress, click here.